Bemba calls for calm in DR Congo

After the broadcast, explosions and gunfire could still be heard in the neighbourhood around the supreme court in Kinshasa's administrative district, close to one of Bemba's residences.

Ceasefire push

UN radio said one person had been killed and several injured in a building on the main avenue where some of the fiercest fighting took place.

A Reuters correspondent reported seeing one government soldier lying dead in the street.

"We're very worried by these violent clashes. We called for a ceasefire to be put in place before 18:00 [17:00 GMT] and we are still pushing for that now," said William Swing, head of the UN peacekeeping mission in DR Congo (Monuc).

Bemba called on loyalist forces toreturn to their positions [AFP]

"The two sides have accepted the principle, now it is a question of discipline."

UN armoured personnel carriers patrolled the streets to protect civilians but did not intervene.

The clashes were the first in Kinshasha, a Bemba stronghold, since last year's elections.